Bariatric Medicine (Obesity)

Bariatric surgery is a sub-specialty of General Surgery. Bariatric surgeons perform operations that to help individuals lose weight by reducing the digestive and absorptive capacity of the stomach and intestines. Patients with severe obesity have substantially higher morbidity and mortality rates with complications such as heart disease, stroke, endocrine problems such as diabetes, arthritis, infertility, and others and evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may reduce these rates, especially when coupled with healthy lifestyle changes. There are various types of bariatric surgeries that can be performed. The preferred method of surgery if possible is laparoscopic or keyhole surgery which minimizes the post-operative complications of bleeding, scarring, and infection as well as allowing for earlier discharge. The more invasive alternative is a via an “open” approach, which involves cutting open the abdomen.